The Real ID Act is part of a general appropriations bill passed in response to heightened terrorism alerts. To try to prevent terrorists from abusing U.S. asylum laws, the Real ID Act makes it harder for asylum applicants to obtain relief. However, critics argue that the act may jeopardize the lives of asylum applicants who are in genuine and urgent need. The Real ID Act also tightens regulations on state driver’s licenses and imposes strict time limits on deportation processes.